I don't think it is a matter of saving him as much as he can't play.
The last thing you want to do is wear down your stars so they are exhausted down the stretch. Maybe they can and will play 40+ mins, but I would expect the coach to know far better than you or I.
I guarantee you every one of the players cares. This is their livelihood. Millions of dollars are in the line in future contracts. Does that mean you want Clarkson shooting 35 times to show you he cares?